Step-by-Step: Evolution of a Scrapbook Layout

I thought it would be fun to walk you all through a recent scrapbook page I created, just to show you the steps I take along the way. It’s not magic, though I wish it were!

This layout started with a page in a magazine. I was reading “Health,” and this was, I think, the last page. It immediately struck me as a perfect scrapbook layout to lift, so I ripped it out:

What caught my eye: The simple design, the “handwritten” answers, and the cute pen at the bottom of the page.

The first thing I did was create a Word template** with the questions for me to answer:

I did this by creating a text box in Word, setting the size, and choosing a font that looked good.

Then I printed it out on white cardstock:

Nothing too fancy at this stage! I knew I wanted the focus on the journaling, not on the design or fonts.

The next step was to select cardstock and trim the various papers to size. I didn’t worry too much about getting the exact measurements down. I just eyeballed it. (For the record, I used leftovers from my The Story Matters kit from July!). Again, simple was the word of the day… in more ways than one!

Looking pretty cute already, eh? Then I filled in my answers! NOTE: SOME people might decide to fill in the answers BEFORE they adhere the journaling sheet down on the page. OTHER people scoff at such weak-mindedness and prefer to live on the edge and take a chance. SOME people might call the second type of person an idiot for not thinking ahead. But I prefer to think of this second group of folk as the risk-takers who know life is so much more exciting if you just embrace uncertainty… or so I tell myself.

Then it was time to add the photo of myself and the title. I chose to stick with the page’s original title, “Simple Pleasures.” I dug through my newly purchased stash of letter stickers to find this strawberry-colored set that worked POIFECTLY. Simply poifect, I tell you:

Yup, that’s how I line ‘em up. I’m a risk taker, but I’m not stoopid!

Here’s what we have so far:

I’m in love! But it needs some jazzing up, don’t you think? I just happened to have an adorable set of rub-ons from the “Dear Lizzie” line of American Crafts sitting there on my desk, so I pulled ‘em out and added a few at the top near the title, and some more at the bottom.

Voila! Or, as they say in the orchestra, VIOLA!

Time to completion: Less than 30 minutes.

A few notes: Careful readers will notice that I didn’t pre-select my product. I used what I grabbed at each step of the process. This works for me because I have quite a stash and I knew I’d have SOMETHING that worked. Also, I didn’t want to get bogged down in choices; I wanted to get it done. If you don’t have a lot of product on hand, you might want to choose your goodies beforehand. But if speed is your objective, just choose something and move on!

What do you think? Are these kind of step-by-step overviews helpful?

**I have this Word template to share with you! Just make sure to sign up for The Dot mailing list, and I’ll send it out this week.

Oh my gosh I love it!!! I thought I was the only person who chose their products as they went along haha! Great idea using the ruler to line up your letters – I might have to try that usually I just “wing” it haha!

http://www.dlprenkert.blogspot.com LauraP

LOVE THIS! It’s such a great idea, and totally shows that you can do a lot with a little. I like the step-by-step photos. I get a kick out of seeing how others do things. Thanks for sharing!!

http://www.groundsscrapsoflife.blogspot.com Ann

I hope that I am still on the Dot mailing list. I haven’t unsubscribed. I want to read this journaling!!!

Sherrie M.

Awesome idea…can’t wait to get the template because I’m creating this page as soon as I get it! Thanks!

http://www.designadaybyDesignsbyAng.blogspot.comg Designs by Ang

Lain! What a great inspirational idea this is. I love how you have it displayed on an easel. I bet you walk by it many times a day and it provides much joy. really neat idea! Angela, Designs by Ang

Kathy T

Love it! I also love that you are making lo’s fun and easy again. Sometimes I get wrapped up in the matching and planning until it’s no longer fun. While sometimes the fun part is the process of plotting and planning, I’m going to embrace the grab and go method this weekend and see what happens.Miss your podcast.

Miss Niki

Very cute! Can’t wait to receive the Dot. I really like this post….seems like you’re back! Miss seeing your layouts, 30 minute challenges and podcasts! I loved your guest appearances on episodes of the Paperclipping Roundtable.

April P.

Hey Lain! Great quickie layout! Thanks for sharing your process with us for it. I have a friend who already other up for Oct LOAD she says and I’m perplexed. While I didn’t get to participate in May, I had hoped I’d still be included as an alumni for future classes, especially sonic you’re limiting enrollment. Any update you can give would be great! I had been signed up and getting emails in the past. Just not in the past few months.

Lisa R

What a cute (and quick) layout! I love it Looking forward to the next LOAD too.